BRIEFS

Reporter required

Navy News is on the look-out for a reporter who can think outside of the square, be resourceful, isn’t afraid of constant challenges and likes working in a very demanding, fluid environment.

Personnel who think they may have the appropriate skills should discuss their options with their career manager and then contact CPO Lipscombe on 02-6265 3308.

The ideal candidate would be someone who has skills in either journalism, public relations, sub-editing, electronic lay-out or photography, but on the job training can be provided.

If you want to know more about the nature of the job please contact Navy News Editor David Kirkpatrick on 02-6266 7707.

Riders on the way

Twelve members of the ship’s company of HMAS Parramatta are pedalling 2,000 kilometres down the East Coast of Australia hoping to raise up to $100,000 for meningococcal research at The Children’s Hospital/ Westmead.

A loud blast from Parramatta’s siren and a flag-off by former Lord Mayor of Parramatta, Paul Garrard, on April 26, sent the 12 riders and three support members off down the General Purpose wharf at Mackay.

The ship’s Commanding Officer, CMDR Mike Noonan, rode some of the first leg southwards. Parramatta is now steaming south parallel with the riders.

The riders left Mackay with $15,000 already in the kitty and have now raised $38,000.

Spike retires

WOMT Murray “Spike” Jones retired from the Navy at midnight on Thursday, April 22, after 39 years’ service.

Spike joined the RAN in 1965, as a Naval Artificer Apprentice where he undertook initial trade training before being selected as a Boiler Maker Welder.

Spike said service highlights were escorting the Royal Yacht Britannia on three occasions that she visited Australia, which included the 1970-71 Bicentennial tour, the CHOGM visit and the 1982 Commonwealth Games in Brisbane.

Sub visit

The submarine HMAS Dechaineux made her inaugural port visit to Albany, for five days over the Anzac week under command of LCDR Simon Rusiti, Dechaineux is the fourth of six Collins Class submarines based at Fleet Base West.

Before her arrival in Albany, Dechaineux had been on exercises in the waters off the WA coast.

Traditional activities

Anzac Day activities in Pohnpei, Micronesia included a two-up game and dawn service.

Among those attending were LCDR Matt Brown, Maritime Surveillance Adviser (MSA) to the Republic of Palau, MSA to Micronesia, LCDR Barry Jones and CPOMT Steve McDonald.

Parkes parade

A contingent of sailors from 805 Squadron based at HMAS Albatross took part in Anzac Day activities in the NSW town of Parkes.

They participated in the annual parade and also found time to visit the Parkes Radio Telescope, visit graves of fallen comrades and attend a reunion dinner at the local RSL club.

An estimated 600 people attended the Dawn Service on Memorial Hill and approximately 900 attended a Commemorative Service in the town park.

Victorian visit

HMAS Leeuwin (LCDR John McGannon) and HMAS Norman (LCDR Darren Johnston) visited Melbourne recently for the Anzac Day commemorations.

Berthed at Station Pier the crews enjoyed easy access to the city and its trendy coastal fringe, with an official lunch held onboard Leeuwin for the Navy League and the Port of Melbourne Corporation.

Both ships’ companies marched to the Shrine of Rememberance in the large parade prior to engaging in other traditional Anzac Day activities before resuming their programs.

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